Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-03-26

l will learn the true mystery of his disap-
pearance. Let me see YOU once more at
the old trysiing- place by the brook, this
evening, and then leave to right what
believe TO be a reat wrong"
They conveised for long time, and met
as agreed that evening But they did not
linger at the brook. In earnest tones Ellis
pleaded with her TO agree 10 some plan to
outwit any plot Arden might form to induce
her father TO smile on his suit during his
absence.
A carriage was ready, there was a rapid
drive several miles into the country, a visit
to retired clergyman's house, and as
speedy n return.
When they parted, two hours later, there
was happy, though anxious, look on Ber-
tha's face, and Ellis left the town by the
main highway, on horseback, murmuring:
AT least, Arden shall never steal my love
from me. And now to locate Arnold Bor-
dell at Miners Valley"
That was the place he had heard Arden
and his unknown companion allude to.
1t was place far beyond the hills, iso-
lated, and infested with dangerous frontier
characters.
He had often heard of it, and knew that
it would be a weary and perilous journey
to reach it.
Why had Arnold gone there2 What was
he doing among the rough prospectors of
that region?
This was mystery Ellis was soon to
learn. For the present he contented him
self by progressing on his way, and it was
three weeks later when, travel-worn and
weary, he descended into valley, sur
rounded by the widest scenes, and dotted
here and there with numerous mining
camps.
At one of these he halted finally. He
had been attracted TO it by the sight of
man whose face was slightly familiar to
him.
Beyond doubt he was the same parsonage
whom he had seen speaking to Arden at
Elmville.
If the stranger had ever seen him before,
he did not betray the fact, but he seemed
little surprised when Ellis addressed him
and said:
Il believe l saw you at Elmville about
month ago."
The stranger hesitated, surveyed Ellis
searchngly, and then replied
"Poss. bly,; was there to sell some gold
dust a short time since. What are you do
ing here? Do you live in Elmville?"
So satisfied was Ellis that there now ex-
listed some plot between Arden and this
man that he determined to act prudently.
He made an evasive reply, gave false
name, and intimated that he had been
obliged by circumstances to leave Elmville.
The stranger, who. Ellis later learned,
was named CIombir, seemed to infer that
the young man was a fugitive from justice,
and at once became gu tie confidential.
He told marvellous stories of wonderful
gold discoveries in the district, and by los
ing some money at cards and treating the
crowd
denizen of the camp.
To the man Crombie he made no further
allusion to Elmville. or to Arden, or to the
object of his quest, Arnold Bordell.
But he watched his man closely, and one
night saw him visit lonely hut built near
cave in the mountain, and said by the
miners to be the retreat of some noted out
laws of the vicinity.
Inc most cautious but persistent inquiry
failed to reveal any trace of Arnold, and
yet Ellis was satisfied that he was some
where in the valley, possibly prisoner in
the hands of his enemies.
This he was destined soon to learn.
One afternoon Crombie came to him with
curious smile on his face.
He rendered him folded but unsealed
letter.
This Ellis, with flush of annoyance
and chagrin, recognized rs a letter he had
written to Bertha Bordell the day previous.
He had dropped it somehow, and Crom-
bic had found it. Ellis had intended to
send it to Elmville by the first party leav-
ing Miners Valley.
He was little concerned, as he feared
that Crombie might have received some
hint of Is an;agonism TO his friend Arden.
But he remembered that ne mad not al
luded 20 him, his letter being mainly de-
scription of his vain wanderings III search
of the missing Arnold Bordell.
81 imagine it's letter to your sweet
heart. remarked Crombie, with cunning
laugh.
Yes; did you reld it,"
mo; but in glancing at it to find out
whose it was, l saw that it was written to a
girl. BY the way, | saw another Thing that
interested me-"
Indeed, what was that"
You wrote about man named Arnold
BordelI."
Ellis started. He had never spoken the
name to Crombie, and had always been
guarded in bis inquiri concerning the
bankers III sSing sou, even to others, al!ud-
ing to him only by description.
Crombie's face seemed to conceal no
hidden motives.
Ellis answered boldly:
"Yes, | did"
Are YOU looking for him."
well. YES: know his sister, and she is
very ANXIOUS TO hear from him. Why, do
you know him."
No"
Ellis looked disappointed.
But you have heard of him?"
Exactly, by name many times. See
here. can | trust you?'
About WHAT"
with q secret. You know the old cabin
near the hillS?"
Ellis nodded attirmatiyely.
swell, there are some friends of mine
there who are in retirement"
Glow so:"
"They are wanted by the sheriff"
81 understand"
Therefore, they do not care for outside
acqu rintances, so, if take you there"
why should you take me there?" asked
Ellis, suspiciously.
Because the man who knows your
friend Bordell is there"
"Oh. see."
We'll 60 there"
when"
40 night. You can learn about Bor-
dell, but you mustn't tell about the people
you meet"
II promise"
Very we'll; meet ME at dusk, then, and
we'll 60"
Ellis was so anxious about finding trace
of Arnold Bordell that he did not suspect
the fact that Crombie was laying cunning
plot to entrap him.